Shelling Adventure, Island Landing

Dolphin & Shelling Adventure Island Cruise runs through Odyssey Cruises. Runs 2 hours. From $27.99.

Overview

This two-hour cruise with Odyssey Cruises leaves from the Sponge Docks area and travels down the Anclote River toward the Gulf of Mexico. The captain narrates the whole trip, covering the history of Tarpon Springs and the famous Sponge Docks as the boat passes historic sites along the river, including the Anclote Lighthouse. Between the narration and the wildlife watching, there is plenty to look at before the boat reaches its destination.

Wildlife is a big part of the ride. The crew keeps an eye out for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish and waterfowl, and osprey nests are among the sights pointed out along the route.

The island landing gives the trip its name. The boat stops at an island where passengers can get off, walk the beach, look for shells, watch wildlife up close, or go for a swim. Back on board, cold beverages, beer, wine and tropical drinks are sold, and food can be brought along, though outside drinks and coolers are not allowed. The pace is leisurely throughout, and the vessels are described by the operator as fully accessible.

Itinerary

1. Meet at the docksThe meeting point is 776 Dodecanese Blvd in Tarpon Springs, and parking is available there.
2. Board the vesselPassengers board the boat at the dock. Drink tickets bought at the booth before boarding come at half price for margaritas and tropical drinks.
3. Cruise the Anclote RiverThe captain narrates the trip down the Anclote River, covering Tarpon Springs history, the Sponge Docks, and sights such as osprey nests and the Anclote Lighthouse.
4. Watch for wildlifeHeading toward the Gulf, the crew looks for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish and waterfowl.
5. Land on the islandThe boat stops at an island where passengers can stroll the beach, search for shells, view wildlife up close, or swim.
6. Return cruiseThe boat heads back up the river to the meeting point, completing the two-hour trip.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this cruise, from drinks to what to pack for the island stop.

• Buy drink tickets early. Margaritas and tropical drinks are half price when tickets are purchased at the booth before boarding, and the operator recommends doing exactly that. Beer, wine and cold beverages are also sold on board.
• Bring food, not drinks. Food is welcome on board, but outside drinks and coolers are not permitted. Plan around that rule, since the only drinks allowed on board are the ones sold there.
• Plan for a beach stop. The island landing allows time to walk the beach, hunt for shells and even swim.
• Bring a camera. The listing encourages cameras for the photo opportunities along the river, from the Anclote Lighthouse to dolphins, manatees and osprey nests.
• Getting there. No pickup is included. Everyone makes their own way to 776 Dodecanese Blvd on the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, where parking is available.
• Weather flexibility. Cruise dates and times can change without notice for weather, mechanical or other operational reasons. If the operator cancels for one of those reasons, ticket holders can reschedule or take a refund.

Common issues. The main practical limit is that cruises can be changed or canceled on short notice for weather, mechanical or operational issues, though a canceled trip can be rescheduled or refunded. Arriving after departure, or canceling inside 24 hours, only allows a reschedule, not a refund. Outside drinks and coolers are banned, which means beverages must be bought on board or via the booth.

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